The PS4 Pro, as explained by the man who designed it

We may very well be in the minority here, but we definitely didn't peg winter 2010 as the second coming of Vudu. In just the past month or so, the resurgent movie rental outfit has managed to slink its way onto Sharp connected HDTVs, D-Link's Boxee Box, Sony's PlayStation 3 and now, Panasonic's crew of Viera Cast-enabled Blu-ray decks. The DMP-BDT350, DMP-BDT300, DMP-BDT100, DMP-BD85, DMP-BD65 and DMP-B500 will all gain access to Vudu's 4000+ 1080p movie library starting just two days from today (that's November 24th, for the calendar-challenged), promising instant streaming on titles that start at just $2 per night. If you're the proud owner of one of those players, keep an eye out for an impending firmware update... otherwise, well, keep an eye out for those keeping an eye out.

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 22, 2010) - Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology and built-in TV web entertainment and movie streaming service, VUDUTM announced that Panasonic's 2010 line of VIERA CAST™-enabled Blu-ray Disc™ Players1 will offer instant streaming of VUDU's huge high definition movie library, including more than 4,000 Full HD (1080p) movies, beginning on November 24.

VUDU is a video-on-demand service offering instant streaming (no download time) of movies and TV programs through IPTV-enabled HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc Players with no computer or cable/satellite TV service required, and no subscription or monthly membership fees. VUDU boasts the world's most extensive library of HD movies from all Hollywood studios and leading independent distributors, and an unmatched new release collection with titles available the same day as the DVD release. The VUDU service also offers a great value to movie renters, with an enormous collection of titles available for only $2 for a two-night rental.

"Connected TV will continue to become an increasingly important feature for consumers and Panasonic is working tirelessly to build upon the already robust entertainment and connectivity experiences our VIERA CAST customers can enjoy," said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President, Merwan Mereby. "The addition of VUDU to our 2010 VIERA CAST offerings gives consumers access to a virtually endless library of TV and High Definition movie content when they want it and instantly streamed into their TV without ever having to leave the couch."

VUDU is the latest entertainment feature to be added to VIERA CAST, Panasonic's IPTV functionality. Earlier this year, Panasonic added Netflix, Skype™ voice and video calling2, Twitter3 and Pandora to an already robust list of popular entertainment and information options, including Amazon Video-on-Demand™, You Tube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Album, FOX Sports4, Bloomberg News and a weather service. Panasonic's line of VIERA CASTTM-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to turn any flat panel HDTV into an IPTV or connected TV via VIERA CAST. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC5 and is accessed via a single button on the Blu-ray Disc Player remote control. There is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as VUDU, Netflix and Amazon VOD have a separate fee structure). New VUDU customers on VIERA CAST™ will receive a $5.99 credit, enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free.

"Our core mission is to deliver the best selection of movies, at the highest quality possible, directly to the customer's living room," said Edward Lichty, General Manager of VUDU. "We are proud to partner with Panasonic to offer owners of VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players access to the industry's best-in-class streaming movie experience, with immediate access to thousands of titles, including the hottest new releases, all with no subscription required."